The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) warned shipowners and licensed manning agencies (LMAs) to reroute their vessels away from high-risk areas, following recent attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
In a statement, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reiterated key provisions of the Department Order No. 1, Series of 2024, ensuring protection of Filipino seafarers amid the increasing incidence of hijacking or armed violence against ships passing through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding areas.
“We asked shipowners carrying Filipino seafarers to please divert your voyagers. It is not enough to just say we are taking the necessary safety precautions; the best way to spare our seafarers is to avoid the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,” Cacdac said.
He also urged Filipino seafarers to exercise their right to refuse sailing in “high-risk, war-like” areas.
“This is merely a reiteration for our Filipino seafarers of their right to refuse sailing through high-risk zones, which is a well-entrenched maritime tradition,” Cacdac said.
“As issued by the DMW and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the risks of traversing these areas must be well-explained to the seafarers for their safety and security,” he added.
Meanwhile, the DMW chief also urged shipowners and manning agencies to report the scheduled passage of ships and the Philippine seafarers on board.
“Failure to report such a significant event will result in the imposition of sanctions under the DMW rules and regulations upon the manning agent and the principal,” Cacdac said.
“The Department will not hesitate to take firm and lawful action against those who compromise the safety of our seafarers. We owe them protection, not promises,” he added.
The DMW has already reached out to affected families via phone calls and Zoom meetings to ensure that necessary assistance and updates are delivered directly.
